Endoscopic Peripheral

ABSTRACT

An endoscopic peripheral includes a first end including at least a camera and one or more lights. The endoscopic peripheral may also include a second end may include a plug to physical connect the endoscopic peripheral to a computing device or a wireless device. The endoscopic peripheral may also include a flexible cable for communicating content captured by the camera to the computing device or wireless device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to pending U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 61/548,596 entitled “Nasal Guide and Method of UseThereof”, filed Oct. 18, 2011, U.S. provisional patent application Ser.No. 61/559,190 entitled “Portable Endoscope and Method of Use Thereof”,filed Nov. 14, 2011, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.61/585,658 entitled “Endoscopic Sheath and Method of Use Thereof”, filedJan. 12, 2012, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.61/595,885 entitled “Systems and Methods for Controlling BalloonCatheters” filed Feb. 7, 2012 the entire contents of which are allhereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. This application isrelated to co-pending U.S. utility patent application Ser. No.13/654,401 entitled “Systems and Methods for Controlling BalloonCatheters”, filed Oct. 17, 2012, the entire contents of which are allhereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Each year more and more surgical procedures are performed through thebody orifices or surgically created openings. Procedures and surgerieswithin the body of the patient require positioning the necessaryequipment, such as endoscopes. Endoscopy refers to looking inside andtypically refers to looking inside the body for medical reasons using anendoscope, an instrument used to examine the interior portion of a body,such as a hollow organ or cavity of the body.

Some endoscopic procedures may require multiple medical professionals toensure proper guidance and placement of the equipment due to the size,bulk, and awkwardness of the equipment. For example, many endoscopes mayinclude handles, scopes, external processing equipment, and customdisplays. The endoscopes may be extremely expensive preventing manymedical professionals from purchasing or using endoscopes despite themany advantages offered. In many ways, current systems, devices, andtechniques for performing endoscopic procedures fail to adequatelyaddress these and other issues.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of an endoscopic peripheral includes a first endincluding at least a camera and one or more lights. The endoscopicperipheral may also include a second end, which may include a plug tophysically connect the endoscopic peripheral to a computing device or awireless device. The endoscopic peripheral may also include a flexiblecable for communicating content captured by the camera to the computingdevice or wireless device.

Another embodiment provides an endoscopic peripheral. The endoscopicperipheral may include a flexible cable having a first end. The firstend may include at least a camera and one or more lights. The flexiblecable may further have a second end. The second end may include a plugto physically connect the endoscopic peripheral to at least one of acomputing device or a wireless device. The flexible cable may be adaptedto communicate content captured by the camera to the computing device orwireless device.

Another embodiment provides an endoscopic peripheral. The endoscopicperipheral may include a first end including a camera and one or morelights at a tip. The first end may be flexible to be positioned forutilization. The endoscopic peripheral may include a second endincluding a plug for electrically connecting the endoscopic peripheralto an electronic device configured to display content captured by thecamera. The endoscopic peripheral may also include a flexible cableconnecting the first end and the second end.

Another embodiment provides a method for utilizing an endoscopicperipheral. The endoscopic peripheral may be physically connected to anelectronic device. The electronic device powers at least a camera andone or more lights of the endoscopic peripheral. The endoscopicperipheral is interfaced with the electronic device to display thecontent captured by the camera.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described indetail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which areincorporated by reference herein and wherein:

FIGS. 1A-C are pictorial representations of nose and nostril shapes inaccordance with illustrative embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a schematic, plan view of a nasal guide in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic, plan view of a nasal guide in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic, plan view of another nasal guide in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic, plan view of another nasal guide in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a schematic, pictorial representation of another nasal guideinstalled on a patient in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a schematic, side-view of a nasal guide in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a schematic, side-view of another nasal guide in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a schematic, side-view of another nasal guide in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a schematic, side view of a nasal guide being utilized on apatient in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process for utilizing a nasal guide inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a schematic, pictorial representation of a portable endoscopein accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a schematic, side view of a cylindrical light and camera inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic, front views of the portable endoscope inaccordance with illustrative embodiments;

FIG. 16 is a schematic, pictorial representation of the portableendoscope in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a schematic, pictorial representation of a nasal guide beingutilized with a portable endoscope and a scope in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a schematic, pictorial representation of an endoscopicperipheral in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a schematic, pictorial representation of another endoscopicperipheral in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a schematic, pictorial representation of a disposable coverfor an endoscopic peripheral in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 21 is a schematic, pictorial representation of a disposable coverfor the endoscopic peripherals in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 22 is a schematic, pictorial representation of a plug-and-playendoscopic peripheral and a cover in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a process for utilizing an endoscopicperipheral in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 24 is a schematic, pictorial representation of a communicationsenvironment in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments provide an endoscopic peripheral. Theendoscopic peripheral may be configured to communicate directly with acomputing or communications device. The computing device may be apersonal computer, laptop, desktop computer, or other data processingsystem or device. The communications device may be a wireless device,such as a cell phone, electronic book, mp3 player, media system, gamingsystem, PDA, tablet, iPhone, iPad, appliance, or so forth. Theendoscopic peripheral may be utilized to capture video, images, andcontent is any number of spectrums, wavelength, and so forth.

In an illustrative embodiment, the endoscopic peripheral is small,portable, light weight, inexpensive and able to be utilized withexisting electronic devices available to a medical professional. As aresult, many patients that have not previously benefited from endoscopicanalysis and treatment may receive the associated medical examination,analysis, and treatment.

In one embodiment, the endoscopic peripheral is a plug-and-play deviceor wireless device equivalent that may be utilized without specializedsoftware or other components. A plug-and-play device provides a standardfor the connection of peripherals, such that the endoscopic peripheralonly needs to be connected to a computer or computing device in order tofunction as desired without additional requirements. For example, thedefault or installed software of the computing or communications devicemay be utilized to both view content, save the content, and otherwisemanage the content. The computing or communications device may not needspecific drivers, software, or other applications. As a result, the usermay utilize the endoscopic peripheral with any number of commonlyavailable electronic devices that have an electronic display and in anynumber of locations and circumstances.

In another embodiment, the endoscopic peripheral may be utilized withspecialized logic or software for capturing, saving and sharing thecontent with any number of other users, such as doctors, nurses,dentists, physicians assistants, coworkers, or so forth. The softwaremay be included in an operating system, program, set of instructions, ormobile application. For example, video or images captured by theendoscopic peripheral may be communicated to, transferred or shared witha medical professional, system, or networked device based on a requestfrom the medical professional, an association with an identifier of theendoscopic peripheral, or in response to a request from the user. Forexample, a MAC address, IP address, website, dedicated server, IMEI, orother identifier may be utilized to send and receive content captured bythe endoscopic peripheral.

The endoscopic peripheral may be utilized for any number of medicalexaminations including examining the ears, throat, nose, mouth, internalorgans and tissues, and other orifices or surgically created openings inthe body. The endoscopic peripheral may also be utilized forconstruction, structural review, or in any other number of circumstanceswhere a small camera may be required. The use of the peripheralendoscope may also include telemedicine wherein an individual maycapture data and transfer the data collected to a physician orappropriate healthcare provider in order to diagnose issues.

In one embodiment, the endoscopic peripheral may be disposable for onetime or field use. In another embodiment, the endoscopic peripheral maybe configured for cleaning, sanitizing, or may include a disposablecover for utilization with a number of patients or uses.

Another embodiment provides a portable endoscope. In one embodiment, theportable endoscope is a wand-shaped endoscope that may be utilized aloneor with the nasal guide. The portable endoscope has a reduced footprintand is self-contained to wirelessly transmit video or still-images(“images” or “content”) to one or more computing devices, which may bewired or wireless devices. In another embodiment, the camera of theportable endoscope may communicate and be powered through a wire orcable with an externally-connected transmitter and battery. The portableendoscope decreases the size and complexity of endoscopic systems andequipment. In addition, the portable endoscope includes interchangeableparts including a camera, lights, processing or logic components, atransmitter or transceiver, and/or a battery that may be adapted for thepatient, medical professional, or medical procedure. Both the portableendoscope and the described guide may be utilized for any sort ofvisualization within the body of a patient. The portable endoscope maybe utilized in a wireless mode or wired mode (when physically connectedto and powered by or charged by a computing or communications device).Unless otherwise indicated, as used herein, “or” does not require mutualexclusivity.

Another embodiment provides a nasal guide and a method for utilizing thenasal guide. In one embodiment, the nasal guide provides a guide forinserting one or more endoscopes, catheters, guides, or other pieces ofequipment into the nose of a patient for surgery or examination. Unlessotherwise indicated, as used herein, “or” does not require mutualexclusivity. In particular, the nasal guide directs the medicalequipment into the nose of the patient toward the sinuses and stabilizesthe equipment during insertion, utilization, and removal of theequipment. As a result, surgeries, such as balloon sinuplasty, may beperformed by a single medical professional or fewer medicalprofessionals while still maintaining instrument stability. The nasalguide may include one or more walled openings, lumens, ports, or throughholes for inserting the medical equipment.

The nasal guide may be configured to be secured utilizing elastic,bands, clips, or adhesives that may be adjusted or customized for eachindividual patient. For example, an elastic band may include a clip orstrings for tightening or loosening the fit of the nasal guide in andagainst the nose of the patient. The nasal guide may be manufactured ina number of sizes and shapes to fit the noses (including snouts andmuzzles) of patients of any age and size including humans and animals.In alternative embodiments, the guide may be configured for a mouth,ear(s), rectum, or other natural or surgically-created opening. Thenasal guide gently expands the nostrils of the patient allowing theequipment and medical professional to more easily access an interiorportion of the body or nose including the sinus cavity and sinuses. Theopening action of the nasal guide may also help the patient breathbefore, during, or after the medical procedure is performed.

In one embodiment, the nasal guide may be configured to both receive andguide medical instruments deeper into the nose while expanding thenostrils and stabilizing the medical instruments during the procedure.As a result, fewer medical professionals may be required, and medicalprocedures may be performed with less concern about damaging thenostrils of the patient. The nasal guide may be configured for use in asingle nostril or in both nostrils for enhanced stability. In addition,suction or oxygen attachments may be integrated with or attached to thenasal guide (portions inserted within the nose as well as external tothe nose) allowing suction or oxygen to be applied to the patientthrough the nasal guide.

Any of the components and features of the illustrative embodiments,including the priority applications and related applications, may becombined in a nearly unlimited number of configurations best suited tofit the body of the patient and/or the needs of medical professionals.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are pictorial representations of various noses 102,104, and 106 and nostril shapes with which the illustrative embodimentsmay be implemented. The visible part of the nose is the protruding partof the face that bears the nostrils or anterior nares. Typically, theshape of the nose is determined by the ethmoid bone and the nasalseptum. The nasal septum separates the left and right airways of thenose to divide the two nostrils, and is formed mostly of cartilage. Noseand nostril sizes, shapes, and configurations vary by age, sex, race,and other factors. In addition, accidents, birth defects, and otherfactors may influence the size and shape of all interior and exteriorportions of the nose, and such circumstances may be accounted for by theillustrative embodiments.

The nostrils 112, 114, and 116 vary between the different noses 102,104, and 106. As shown for nose 102, the nose 102 includes a tip 118,columella 120, left lateral side 122, and right lateral side 124. Thenasal guides of the illustrative embodiments are sized and shaped toconform to any number of noses and nostrils despite the differences insize and shape. The nasal guides may be utilized to guard againstabrasion or damage to the nostrils 112, 114, and 116, and the interiorand exterior periphery of the nose about the nostrils 112, 114, and 116including the columella 120.

In one embodiment of the nasal guide, and use thereof, the patient maybe distracted by the sensation of the portion of the nasal guide thatfits into the patient's nostril(s) instead of focusing on the actualmedical procedure that is being performed. As a result, scopes and othermedical instruments may be more easily inserted and removed from thenostrils without damaging the soft interior and exterior shin andtissues of the nose.

In the illustrative embodiments, the term “patient” is utilized to referto any individual, user, or animal that may have a medical procedure orother process performed through the nostrils of the nose, snout, ormuzzle, or other natural or surgical opening of the body. Although thenoses 102, 104, and 106 shown are human noses, the nasal guides may besized and configured to be utilized for any patient, including anyhuman, animal, or living creature. Non-limiting examples of animals onwhich the nasal guide may be used include domestic and exotic animals(i.e., mammals, reptiles, amphibians, marsupials, etc) of all sizes fromcows and zebras to dogs and ferrets. The term “medical professional(s)”is utilized to refer to any doctor, professional assistant, nurse,dentist, veterinarian, remote operating system and device, clinician,forensic analyst, pathologist, diener, robot, or other person orelectronic device that may perform a medical procedure or other processon a patient. It will be appreciated that operation of the nasal guideis not limited to medical professionals, as, in one embodiment, a usermay self-administer or self-install the nasal guide, as well as anyassociated medical or other procedures.

FIG. 2 is a schematic, pictorial representation of a nasal guide 200 inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. The nasal guides of FIGS.2-5 are shown from a plan view from which the nasal guides 200, 300,400, 500 may be adjusted and fit into noses of any patients, such as thenoses 102, 104, and 106 of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C. The nasal guide 200 mayinclude any number of components or elements as herein described. Thepotential size and shape of the nasal guide 200 are as varied as thepatients that the nasal guide 200 may be used on, or the desired usageor specifications by which the nasal guide 200 is used.

The nasal guide 200 may alternatively be a guide for any body orifice oropening (e.g., ear, mouth, rectum, etc.), passageway, or tissue planenaturally or surgically created. For example, the guide may be adaptedfor use with an endoscope (such as the one subsequently described) forlaparoscopic abdominal surgery, orthopedic procedures, robotic surgery,or intracranial or ear surgery. The nasal guide 200 may be used whennumerous medical instruments are inserted into the body. The exteriorportion (i.e., the portion of the guide adapted to be outside of thebody) and the interior portion (i.e., the portion of the guide adaptedto be inside of the body) of the guide may be configured for thesurrounding entry site whether it be the ear or rectum of the patient, asurgically-created opening through the belly button of the patient, orother openings. For example, the exterior portion of the guide may besubstantially flattened to be fit or flush to the patient. In addition,the guide may have only one side, or support, instead of two (e.g., thepotential two-sided configuration of the nasal guide 200, shown in FIG.2, may be for use in both nostrils).

In one illustrative embodiment, the nasal guide 200 is formed fromhypoallergenic medical grade materials, such as U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP)Class V and VI silicon, rubber, polymers, or plastic materials (or acombination thereof), including those known in the art. In oneembodiment, the nasal guide 200 is clear or transparent to provide themedical professional with maximum visibility of all covered anduncovered portions of the nose, whether exterior or interior to thenostrils. In one example, the nasal guide 200 may be molded from asingle piece of medical grade plastic, silicon, composite, or rubber.Alternatively, multiple components of different materials may beconnected or fused together. In one embodiment, the plastic issee-through, translucent, or transparent to provide the medicalprofessional additional visibility of all portions of the nose of thepatient. As a result, a light source may be connected to the nasal guide200 so that it may act as a light guide.

In one embodiment, before use or application of the nasal guide 200, theshape of the nasal guide 200 may be molded or fit to a mold or nose ofthe patient. For example, the nasal guide 200 may be heated in hot waterand then formed to the size and shape of the nose of the patient. Inanother embodiment, one or more pictures, a three-dimensional image,x-ray, MRI, or other scan of the nose may be utilized to create or moldthe nasal guide 200. For example, an image may be utilized by aninjection molding system to create the nasal guide 200.

The nasal guide 200 may also have anti-fungal, anticoagulant,procoagulant, and/or anti-bacterial properties for preventing the spreadof infections from the mouth or lips to the inside of the nose andbrain. In one embodiment, the material of the nasal guide 200 may beformulated, molded, impregnated, injected, coated, or otherwise createdwith any of the described compounds, materials, or properties to preventany unwanted spread of germs or infection. For example, the nasal guide200 or an interior portion of the nasal guide 200 inserted into the nosemay be coated with an anesthetic agent, such as lidocaine creme to makethe nasal guide 200 more comfortable.

In one embodiment, the nasal guide 200 includes a left support 202, aright support 204, a bridge 206, upper lumens 208, lower lumens 210,drains 212, and an elastic 14. In one embodiment, the left support 202and right support 204 (collectively the “supports”) are the supportiveframework of the nasal guide 200 that prevents the nasal guide 200 fromslipping into the nostrils, and in which the lumens 208, 210 are formed.The supports 202 and 204 may help prevent the nasal guide 200 fromslipping during a medical procedure. The supports 202 and 204 may alsoguard covered portions of the nose from contact with objects, such asmedical instrumentation. The left support 202 and right support 204 areeach configured to abut, be placed against, adjacent, or proximate leftand right portions of the nose and nostrils, respectively. The supports202 and 204 may also be placed in contact with the columella, philtrum,and upper lip. In one embodiment, the supports 202 and 204 are directlycoupled to one another for additional support without the need for abridge 206.

In one embodiment, the supports 202 and 204 may include lateral edges orextensions (not shown) that extend perpendicular to the general plane213 of the supports 202 and 204 on the outer edges of the supports 202and 204 for cradling the sides of the nose of the patient during use ofthe nasal guide 200 (see the lateral edges 312 of FIG. 3 for anexample). The supports 202 and 204 may also extend or include extensionsto be supported by the cheeks of the patient. For example, in anembodiment of the nasal guide 200 that may be appropriate for intensivesurgeries, the supports 202 and 204 may be shaped to extend out to andbe braced or flattened against the cheeks of the patient. In oneembodiment, the lateral edges (see FIG. 3) stabilize the nasal guide 200as medical instruments are inserted into and removed through the upperlumens 208 and lower lumens 210. For example, the lateral edges mayprovide lateral stability. The lateral edges are further shown anddescribed in FIGS. 3 and 7-10.

With reference to FIG. 3, the lateral edges 312 may act as clips forgently securing the nasal guide 300 against the sides of the nostrilsduring utilization of the nasal guide 300. The lateral edges 312 may bewide enough to secure an entire or substantial portion of the side ofthe nostril when the nasal guide 300 is attached.

Referring again to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the nasal guide 200 mayinclude the bridge 206, which may be a connector or other elementbetween the supports 202 and 204. The bridge 206 may be configured sothat the angle and position of the left support 202 and right support204 may be adjusted to fit the size and shape of the nose and nostrilsof the patient. The bridge 206 itself and the connection points betweenthe bridge 206 and supports 202 and 204 may be flexible, allowing thenasal guide 200 to be positioned, flexed, or stretched as needed for thepatient's nose or medical procedure. This allows the nasal guide 200 tobe contoured, or otherwise fitted, to different sized and shaped nosesand nostrils. As shown in the various embodiments, the bridge 206 may beplaced at, or connected to, the top, middle, or bottom of the supports202 and 204 or lateral edges or at any position therebetween.

In another embodiment, the nasal guide 200 may include multiple bridgesfor connecting the supports 202 and 204. For example, bridges may beattached to the top and bottom of the left support 202 and right support204 curving in the same or different directions (e.g., curving up anddown respectively) to allow the bridges to be flexed or stretched asneeded to fit the nose of a patient. The bridge 206 or bridges may beconnected to the inside or outside edges, top, bottom, or middle of thesupports 202 and 204.

In one embodiment, the bridge 206 is positioned between the supports 202and 204 and attaches to the middle of the supports 202 and 204 on theinside edges to provide maximum flexibility for moving the supports 202and 204 toward each other and adjusting the angle of the supports toconform to the nostrils. In another embodiment, the nasal guide 200 maynot include a bridge 206 and instead the supports 202 and 204 may bedirectly or flexibly connected to one another. The bridge 206 may be acylindrically-shaped, rounded, or flattened connector for providingcomfort or support when freely positioned away from the lose orpositioned against the columella, tip, bridge, or other portion of thenose.

The upper lumens 208 and lower lumens 210 (collectively the “lumens”)are tubes or other passageways including openings through which themedical instruments may be inserted or communicated. Alternatively, thelumens 208 and 210 may be referred to as openings, through holes, orguides. The lumens 208 and 210 may be formed by or in the supports 202and 204, and may be defined by walls that extend through the plane ofthe supports 202 and 204 such that passageways into the nostrils areprovided. In one embodiment, the lumens 208 and 210 may extendsubstantially perpendicular from the general plane 213 of the supports202 and 204.

In another embodiment, the walls of the lumens 208 and 210 may be shortand extend inward and downward to or into the nasal passage for applyingsuction within the nose. For example, an interior end of the lumens 208and 210 may have a tapered end, or open in a scoop or funnel shape forapplying suction. In yet another embodiment, the walls of the lumens 208and 210 may extend or curve slightly upward or to a side from thesupports 202 and 204 to better guide medical instruments toward aspecific sinus in the nasal cavity. In one embodiment, the nasal guide200, and particularly the lumens 208 and 210, may be configured to beinserted anywhere from 0-10 centimeters (e.g., 2-10 cm) or more into thenose of the patient. In another embodiment, the nasal guide 200, andparticularly the lumens 208 and 210, may not enter the nostrils at all,and instead may be positioned near the opening of the nostrils or extendexternally front the nasal guide 200.

The lumens 208 and 210 including the walls thereof, may protrude pastthe general plane 213 of the supports 202 and 204 to both guide andstabilize medical instruments. In some cases, longer lumens 208 and 210may simplify performing medical procedures without additionalendoscopes, catheters, or instruments. For example, a greater length ofthe lumens 208 and 210 may better stabilize a portion of the medicalinstruments inserted through and positioned in the lumens 208 and 210.In one embodiment, either end of the lumens 208 and 210 may beconfigured to receive inwardly extending or externally protrudingextensions. The extensions may be straight or curved or have any of theother properties described for the nasal guide 200 and lumens 208 and210.

The diameter of the lumens 208 and 210 may vary based on theapplication. In one embodiment, the opening of the lumens 208 and 210are between 5 mm-2.5 cm in diameter for human applications, but this mayvary. In one embodiment, the size or diameter of the lumens 208 and 210may be uniform along the length of the nasal guide. In anotherembodiment, the size of the lumens 208 and 210 may narrow slightly atthe interior end allowing the nasal guide 200 to have a more cortical orfunnel shape for easy insertion of medical instruments. Additionally,the conical or funnel shape may naturally expand the nostrils wheninserted.

Also, in one embodiment, any of the openings of the lumens 208 and 210may be flared, rounded, or tapered so that medical instruments do notcatch on internal or external (to the nose) edges of the lumens 208 and210.

The lumens 208 and 210 may utilize any number of symmetrical orasymmetrical shapes, such as circles, ellipses, polygons, tear dropshapes, etc. The walk may similarly define these shapes extending fromthe supports 202 and 204. In another embodiment, the lumens 208 and 210and corresponding walls may form a cylindrical, conical, or hyperbolicshape extending into the patient's nasal cavities when the nasal guide200 is inserted as shown in FIGS. 6-10. In one embodiment, both ends ofthe lumens 208 and 210 may be flared and rounded to prevent medicalinstruments from catching on the openings as medical instruments areinserted and removed from the nose of the patient. In one embodiment,the openings of the lumens 208 and 210 may be at partially covered witha flexible material and have one or more slits, slots, notches, orperforations (e.g. forming a diaphragm or membrane with an opening) forsliding the medical instruments in and out. For example, the openings ofthe lumens 208 and 210 may be like the lid of a cup adapted to receive astraw. The slits may support the medical instruments and prevent thespread of fluids or leakage of fluids.

In one embodiment, the lower lumens 210 may be positioned lower on thesupports 202 and 204 for use in applying suction through the nasal guide200. For example, during a medical procedure, mucus, blood, or otherfluids may pool against the supports 202 and 204 of the nasal guide 200.The lower lumens 210 may be positioned to suction out these fluids. Inone embodiment, the lower lumens 210 may be short to allow the fluids toflow out of the nasal guide 200 through the lower lumens 210. In anotherembodiment, inwardly-extending walls of the lower lumens 210 may extendstraight or at an angle to be proximate or touch a bottom portion of thenasal cavity where fluids are most likely to collect. Theinwardly-extending walls may also extend at an angle to a general plane213 of the supports 202 and 204.

In another embodiment, one or both of the lumens 208 and 210 may alsoextend outwardly from the nostrils and define, ports for applying orattaching traditional oxygen or suction fittings, adapters, systems, ordevices, such as an oxygen system (e.g., through a nasal cannula), ortubes. Alternatively, the interior or exterior portions of the lumens208 and 210 may be configured to receive adapters (not shown) forattaching suction or oxygen through the nasal guide 200 or extending thereach or direction of the lumens 208 and 210. The shape andconfiguration of the adapters may also vary. For example, the adaptersmay be funnel shaped for receiving medical instruments. Alternatively,the adapter may include a 90° bend for reaching a particular sinus.

In one embodiment, the adapters may be inserted into the lumens 208 and210 and may remain in place due to tight tolerances and friction betweenthe lumens 208 and 210 and adapters, or provide an interference fit. Inanother embodiment, the lumens 208 and 210 and adapter may includethreads, barbed connectors, or locking tabs allowing the adapter to bescrewed into the nasal guide 200. For example, immediately after amedical procedure is performed, oxygen and/or suction may be attached tothe nasal guide without using other instruments. As a result, time andresources may be saved without further inconveniencing the patient byadding and removing additional components. The lumens 208 and 210 maythen act as nozzles for delivering oxygen or for coupling suction endsto apply suction to the nasal cavity of the patient. Oxygen or suctionmay also be applied to the lumens 208 or 210 during a medical procedureas needed. For example, the oxygen may be applied during the procedureto keep the interior of the nose dryer. In one embodiment, the interiorend of the lumens 210 may be formed in the shape of a scoop that fitswithin the nasal passage to channel any blood, mucous, or fluids throughthe lumens 210 for removal. The scoop end of the openings on theinternal side of the nasal guide may be wide enough to fit along theentire width of the bottom and sides of the nasal passage to channel thefluids through the lumens 210.

In one embodiment, the lumens 208 and 210 may not extend past thegeneral plane 213 of the supports 202 and 204. Instead, the lumens 208and 210 may extend away from the nose and nostrils of the patient whenpositioned on the patient. As a result, the lumens 208 and 210 may notirritate the patient's nasal cavity. Exterior lumens may similarlystabilize and guide medical instruments to the correct position.Alternatively, a combination of internally and externally lumens 208 and210 may be utilized. For example, the nasal guide 200 may includeadditional guides, rings, or other supports for supporting a portableendoscope as is subsequently described. In one embodiment, the lumens208 and 210 may be dilated, collapse, or include a circularly foldingstructure for adjusting the diameter of each lumen. As a result, thesize of the lumens 208 and 210, or other components of the nasal guide200 may be customized for the patient.

In another embodiment, the nasal guide 200, the supports 202 and 204,and the lumens 206 and 208 may be cut down or sized to fit the patient.In one embodiment, the nasal guide 200 may include perforations (orthinner or weaker areas) for cutting or breaking away sections of anyportion of the nasal guide for customization for the patient. The nasalguide 200 may also include markings, such as metric or English unitmeasurements, for properly sizing and utilizing the nasal guide 200.Such markings may be inscribed, molded, etched, printed, or otherwiseincluded on the nasal guide 200.

In one embodiment, the nasal guide 200 may include drains 212. Thedrains 212 may be one or mute openings, slits, or notches through aportion of the nasal guide that allows fluid to pass through, below, oraround the nasal guide 200. The drains 212 may allow fluids to bypassthe nasal guide 200 to be dealt with in any number of ways. The drains212 may utilize any number of shapes or configurations. In oneembodiment, the drains 212 may be semi-circular, rectangular, or squareshaped. In another embodiment, the drains 212 may be a single cut-awayportion of the supports 202 and 204 allowing the fluids to flow underthe supports 202 and 204 For example, the fluids may be soaked up bygauze or suctioned by the medical professional once past the supports202 and 204 of the nasal guide 200.

In one embodiment, the supports 202 and 204 may include a clip, or otherattachment mechanism, for attaching gauze in such a way that the gauzeabsorbs the fluid that passes through the drains 212 without interferingwith insertion or removal of medical instruments through the lumens 208and 210. The dip may also be utilized to attach to the end of a suctiondevice. The clip may extend from any surface or edge of the supports 202and 204.

The nasal guide 200 may include head gear or other securing component,device, or mechanism. In one embodiment, the headgear is the elastic214. The elastic 214 is a fastener usable to secure or stabilize thenasal guide 200 during use. In one embodiment, the elastic 214 is anelastomer or other stretchable material that may be utilized to securethe nasal guide 200 about the head, ears, personal or medicalaccessories (i.e., glasses), or neck of the patient. The elastic 214 mayattach to the supports 202 and 204 or the lateral edges of the supports202 and 204. The elastic 214 may be one or more narrow or wide bands.The wider band may provide additional surface area and more comfort tothe user. For example, the elastic 214 may be neoprene straps that aresecured around the neck or head of the patient utilizing a hook and loopstrap, barbed connector, Velcro, buckle, or other known securingmechanism on either end of the neoprene straps. In one embodiment, theheadgear may be attached to and removed from the nasal guide forrepeated use. The headgear may be configured to be washed or otherwisesanitized as needed.

In one embodiment, the elastic 214 is formed of or covered by a clothmaterial for the comfort of the patient. The elastic 214 may have a highelastane content for adjusting to the size and shape of the applicableportion of the patient (e.g., head, neck, or ears), including adults orchildren. As with other elastics, a portion of the elastic 214 may bepulled through holes of the supports 202 and 204 (or lateral edges ofthe supports 202 and 204) to tighten the fit of the nasal guide whenworn by the patient. Alternatively, a belt strap-type configuration maybe utilized for the elastic 214. Any number of adjustment mechanisms orcomponents may be utilized with the elastic 214 or other securingmechanism to properly fit the nasal guide 200 to the patient. Skin glue,tape, or other similar components may be utilized in a stand-aloneconfiguration or with the elastic 214 to secure the nasal guide 200.

In one embodiment, the nasal guide 200 may include a single support,such as the support 202, and no bridge 206. The elastic 214 may beattached to either or both sides of the support 202 and may be used forsituations where the medical professional(s) only needs access throughthe nostril on one side, or any single opening on the patient's body.Alternatively, the nasal guide 200 may be moved between nostrils to savematerials and expense of manufacturing. In one embodiment, the nasalguide 200 may be used a single time before being disposed. The nasalguide 200 may also be configured for repeated use, including repeateduse after sterilization. For example, the nasal guide 200 may be runthrough and sanitized by an autoclave without being ruined or altered.The single support size of the guide may also be utilized for othernatural or surgically-created orifices or body parts. For example, thesupport 202 may conform to the shape of an ear, buttocks, incision inthe abdomen, and so forth.

In one embodiment, the nasal guide 200 may include differently-sized orshaped supports 202 and 204 that may be linked by the bridge 206 suchthat the support 202 has a different size or shape than the support 204.For example, a patient with an irregular nose or nasal valve collapsemay require that the supports 202 and 204 and/or lumens 208 and 210 bedifferently sized or shaped for each size or shape of the nose. In oneembodiment, the bridge 206 or supports 202 and 204 may be separatelycreated (e.g., molded), clipped, or otherwise attached to one another tobe customized for the patient.

In another embodiment, the supports 202 and 204, lumens 208 and 211)(whether single openings or multiple openings are utilized), andcorresponding framework or walls may be referred to as nozzles.

In another embodiment, the nasal guide 200 may include interchangeablecomponents that allow a medical professional to customize or assemblethe nasal guide 200 for each patient. For example, the supports 202 and204 and bridge 206 may be the framework or support structure of thenasal guide 200 that may be selected. The supports 202 and 204 may beconfigured to receive a lumen module (not shown). The lumen module maybe a fitting adapted to be connected to each of the supports andincludes one or more lumens. In one embodiment, the lumen module may beconically shaped for expanding each nostril as is described herein. Inone example, the lumen module may include three 2 mm lumens forreceiving multiple instruments. The number of lumens 208 and 210utilized in the nasal guide 200 is not limited, but may be between 1-6.In another example, the lumen module may include one 8 mm lumen or two 4mm lumens. The lumen module may be attached or removed from each of thesupports 202 and 204. As a result, the nasal guide 200 may be utilizedrepeatedly by assembling the distinct parts for each patient. In oneembodiment, the medical professional may include various sizes andconfigurations for each of the components of the nasal guide 200 foradapting the nasal guide 200 for each individual patient and medicalprocedure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic, pictorial representation of a nasal guide 300 inaccordance with another illustrative embodiment. The nasal guide 300 ofFIG. 3 may include a left support 302, a right support 304, bridge 306,lumens 308, lateral edges 312, and an elastic 314.

In this embodiment, the supports 302 and 304 are oval shaped to moreclosely fit the size and shape of certain nostrils and noses. Forexample, the supports 302 and 304 may be positioned to abut against thebottom portion of the noses with the lumens 308 extending into thenostrils and toward the nasal cavities. As shown in FIG. 3, each of thesupports 302 and 304 forms a respective lumen 308 for receiving one ormore medical instruments. In one embodiment, the lumens 308 are largerfor receiving a larger single instrument or multiple instruments atonce.

In the nasal guide 300, the bridge 306 may be shaped differently forvarious functions. In this embodiment, the bridge 306 is configured tosupport, surround, or cup the tip of the nose of the patient. Forexample, the bridge 306 may be shaped to extend along the bottom of thenose of the patient with a portion of the bridge 306 being substantiallyrounded or bent to conform to the typical rounded shape of the tip of apatient's nose.

The nasal guide 300 may also include lateral edges 312. The lateraledges 312 are stabilizers configured to support or abut the lateral, orside, edges of the nose to provide external alignment with the nostrils.The lateral edges 312 may extend substantially perpendicularly from thesurface or general plane 313 of the supports 302 and 304, and may alsoextend toward the face of the patient when the nasal guide 300 is inuse. The lateral edges 312 may further stabilize the nasal guide 300during use and performance of a medical procedure. In one embodiment,the lateral edges 312 may be elongated semicircles. In anotherembodiment, the lateral edges 312 may be small arms, tabs, clips, orextensions that are shaped as a square, rectangular, or elliptical. Thelateral edges 312 and other portion of the nasal guide 300 may be paddedor include an additional material to make the nasal guide 300 morecomfortable when positioned against the skin.

In one embodiment, the lateral edges 312 may help secure the nasal guideby holding, or abutting against the outside of the nose while the lumens308 abut against the inside of the nose. For example, the lateral edges312 and outer walk of the lumens 308 may act as a clip securing thenasal guide 300 to the inside and outside of the edges of the nostrils.

FIG. 4 is a schematic, plan view representation of a nasal guide 400 inaccordance with another illustrative embodiment. The nasal guide 400includes upper lumens 408 and lower lumens 410 that are differentlysized for receiving medical instruments. The size and shape of the upperlumens 408 and lower lumens 410 may depend on the type of medicalprocedure being performed and the medical instruments involved. Theupper lumens 408 and the lower lumens 410 may be positioned horizontally(side-by-side), diagonally, or in any other position with respect to oneanother.

The nasal guide 400 includes a bridge 406 that is also configured as aclip. The bridge 406 may be biased to push the supports 402 and 404toward each other and secure the nasal guide 400 on, within, and to thenose of the patient. In another embodiment, the bridge 406 may be biasedto push the supports 402 and 404 away from each other to further expandthe nostrils of the patient while still securing the nasal guide 400.The bridge 406 may secure the nasal guide 400 without the need forelastic or other securing mechanisms. The bridge 406 may be integratedwith or attach to the lateral edges 412 or directly to the supports 402and 404. In one embodiment, the bridge 406 is substantially within thegeneral plane 414 of the supports 402 and 404. The bridge 406 may alsobe angled such that the top of the bridge 406 extends in front of orbehind the supports 402 and 404 (e.g., outward or inward with respect tothe user's face when the nasal guide 400 is positioned on the user). Inanother embodiment, the bridge 406 may connect to the lateral edges 412and extend away from the general plane 414 of the supports 402 and 404above the bridge of the nose.

In one embodiment, the bridge 406 may be sized and shaped such that thebridge 406 does not touch the nose of the patient. In anotherembodiment, the bridge 406 may abut the outside edge of the nose of thepatient to provide another point of contact for stabilizing the nasalguide. In one embodiment, the bridge 406 may include a shield, orblinders, clips, or attachments for such components, to prevent thepatient from seeing the insertion and removal of the medicalinstruments. For nervous, fearful, or scared patients that are awake,blocking the sight of the patient may help the patient to not focus onwhat may be seen. In addition, the tactile sensation of the nasal guide400 may help the patient not focus on the medical procedure beingperformed. The interior and exterior of the nose includes a large numberof nerves. The sensation of the nasal guide being inserted and worn maydistract the user from more significant pain or sensations that resultsfrom performance of the medical procedure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic, pictorial representation of a nasal guide 500 inaccordance with another illustrative embodiment. The nasal guide 500further illustrates a bridge 506 positioned at a middle or bottomportion of the supports 502 and 504. The positioning and interconnectionof the bridge 506 and elastic 514 may be configured to best fitdifferent sizes and shapes of noses. Drains 512 may be shaped as asingle opening for allowing the fluid to flow past the supports 502 and504. For example, the drains 512 may be rounded in the form of asemi-circle for the comfort of the user.

FIG. 6 is a perspective pictorial representation of the nasal guide 300of FIG. 3 applied to a patient 601 in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. The nasal guide 300 of FIG. 6 illustrates utilization of thenasal guide 300 on a nose 602 of a patient 601. The lateral edges 312wrap around the edge of the nose 602 to further secure the nasal guide300 from horizontal motion during the medical procedure.

The bridge 306 may cup or support the tip of the nose 602 to providevertical support. The bridge 306 may also wrap around the entire tip ofthe nose 602 to further secure the nasal guide 300 from vertical motionduring the medical procedure. In other embodiments, the bridge 306 maybe flattened or rounded to abut against the bottom of the nose 602 whenthe nasal guide 300 is positioned. In yet another embodiment, the bridge306 may extend back or up from the supports 302 and 304 toward the eyesof the patient 601. In such a configuration, the nasal guide 300 may sitalong a top 604 or bridge of the nose 602.

FIG. 7 is a schematic, side view of the nasal guide 300 of FIG. 3 inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 7 further illustrates apotential shape and configuration of the nasal guide 300 for addingadditional horizontal and vertical stability. The support 302, bridge306, and lateral edge 312 stabilize the nasal guide 300 vertically andhorizontally. In addition, the lumens 308 are shaped to extend inwardfrom the supports 302 and 304. Although not shown, the nasal guide 300may include both supports 302 and 304 from which the lumens 308 extend.

In one embodiment, the lumen 308 is conically-shaped and extends intothe nasal cavity of the patient 601 during use. The cone or wedge shapeof the lumens 308 that extends from the openings in the supports 302 and304 may be useful for naturally expanding the nostrils of the patient601 as the nasal guide 300 is inserted and the pulled towards the faceof the patient 601 by the elastic 314. The cone shape of the lumens 308facilitates natural expansion of the nostrils without causing thepatient 601 pain. As a result, the medical instruments may be moreeasily inserted and removed from the nose 602. The lumens 308 mayinclude a solid surface ensuring that medical instruments do not catchor snag during insertion or extraction through the nasal guide 300. Inanother embodiment, the lumens 308 may have a spaced surface for savingmaterial. For example, a honeycomb or triangular support framework maysupport the one or more lumens 308 that are part of the nasal guide 300.

In one embodiment, the lumens 308 may curve slightly upward to betterguide medical instruments to the sinuses and nasal cavity. For example,the supports 302 and 304 may sit flat against the bottom of the nostrilsand the curved shape of the lumens 308 may better guide medicalinstruments. In one embodiment, the interior surface of the lumens 308may also include ridges (not shown) that run parallel to the nasalcavity for better guiding the medical instruments. The ridges may beflexible for providing additional support to the medical instrumentswhile still allowing the medical instruments to be maneuvered and movedas needed. In another embodiment, the interior portion of the lumens 308may include flexible extensions, protuberances, or arms (not shown) thatfurther stabilize the medical instruments while providing a small amountof friction or tactile feedback to the medical professional. Theflexible protuberances may be configured to give way and bend when themedical professional moves the medical instruments, but also providesupport while the medical instruments are in use. The flexibility,diameter, length, proximity, and number of protuberances may vary basedon the amount of resistance that is desired. As a result, motion of themedical instruments is slightly opposed to provide enhanced stabilityand smoothness to the movements of the medical instruments.

The lumens 308 may utilize a solid conical shape. The solid lumens 308prevent the medical instruments from catching on the lumens 308 wheninserted and removed from the nasal guide 300. The ends of the lumens308 at the interior and exterior openings may flare or taper outward sothat the medical instruments do not catch on the edges of the lumens 308during use. Alternatively, the lumens 308 and other portions of thenasal guide 316 may include cut-outs or integrated spaces for conservingthe material utilized to form the nasal guide 300 when molded orassembled. The spaces may also provide additional flexibility to all orportions of the nasal guide 300. As a result, the nasal guide 300 may bedeformed while being positioned on the patient 601 to best fit the nose602 of the patient 601.

In one embodiment, the nasal guide 300 may be injection molded from asingle piece of material in default or custom sizes and configurations.For example, the openings and overall size of the nasal guide 300 may becreated to specifically it the nose 602 of the patient 601 based on apicture or scan. The picture or scan may be digitized and utilized toproperly size the nasal guide 300. In another embodiment, the differentportions of the nasal guide 300 may be formed from different materials.For example, the lateral edges 312 may be formed of a more flexiblematerial (e.g., plastic, latex, etc) for adjusting to the size and shapeof the nose 602 of the patient 601. The bridge 306 may be formed of astiffer form of plastic for providing additional support.

FIG. 8 is a schematic, side-view of a nasal guide 800 in accordance withanother illustrative embodiment. The nasal guide 800 includes multipleopenings at ends of the lumens 802 and 804 instead of a single opening.The nasal guide 800 may include additional supports 806 between thelumens 802 and 804 and the supports 302 (and 304 not shown) of the nasalguide 800. The framework of the nasal guide 300 including the additionalsupports 806 may prevent deformation of the nasal guide 800 and thelumens 802 and 804 during insertion and removal of medical instruments.For example, the additional supports 806 may provide a frameworkenclosing the lumens 802 and 804 within a conical shape. In anotherembodiment, the supports 806 may enclose the lumens 802 and 804 with acylindrical shape. The nasal guide 800 may clip to the nostrils of thenose 602 of the patient 601 with the lateral edges of the nostrils beingsecured between the lateral edges 808 and the supports 806 (oralternatively between the lateral edges 808 and the lumens 802 and 804).

FIG. 9 is a schematic, side-view of a nasal guide 900 in accordance withan illustrative embodiment. The nasal guide 900 may include multipleopenings with walls or supports defining the lumens 902 and 904 thatextend inward to a nasal cavity of a patient. In one embodiment, thelumens 902 and 904 may be defined separately and extend from thesupports 302 (and 304 not shown) of the nasal guide 900. The lumens 902and 904 may have a gap, or notch, between them.

FIG. 10 is a schematic, side-view of the nasal guide 300 being utilizedon a patient 601 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In oneembodiment, the nasal guide 300 may be utilized to protect the nose 602of the patient 601 during a medical procedure, such as balloonsinuplasty. The bridge 306 may touch the nose 602 of the patient 601during use. The lateral edges 312 may abut the lateral edges of thenostrils to provide lateral support.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process for utilizing a nasal guide inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process of FIG. 11 maybe implemented by a medical professional, or any other person, utilizinga nasal guide on a patient as is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 10.

The process may begin with the medical professional positioning a nasalguide within nostrils of a patient (step 1102). In one embodiment, onlythe lumens (and supporting framework) of the nasal guide are insertedinto the nostrils extending to the nasal cavity of the patient. Themedical professional may select the nasal guide based on the size andshape of the nose of the patient. For example, the selected nasal guidemay be substantially smaller for a child. The nasal guide may also beselected based on the size and shape of the medical instruments that areutilized in performing the procedure. For example, a light source and anendoscope with a balloon may need to be inserted into the nostrilssimultaneously. As a result, the medical professional may select a nasalguide with two lumens. In another embodiment, the guide is configured toreceive a wired or portable endoscope or other medical instrumentthrough naturally or surgically-created openings, including, but notlimited to, laparoscopic, abdominal, pelvic, chest, head, neck,intracranial, ear, extremity, cardiac or vascular procedures ordiagnostic evaluations.

In another embodiment, the nasal guide may be created, customized,molded, or manufactured to meet the size and shape of a particularpatient's nose. In addition, the medical professional may select nasalguide attachments that may be attached to the nasal guide to applysuction and/or oxygen to the patient before, during, or after themedical procedure. The nasal guide may also be configured to act as awave guide, be illuminated, or glow in the dark. For example, a lightsource, when shined into the nasal guide, may light up the interior andexterior portions of the nasal guide.

In one embodiment, the portion of the nasal guide that is insertedwithin the nostril(s) may have a conical shape for enlarging thenostrils as the nasal guide is drawn into the nostril(s) of the patientby a securing mechanisms, such as an elastic fastened around the neck orhead of the patient. The elastic or securing band may gently open thenostrils providing easier access to the nasal cavities and sinuses.

Next, the medical professional secures the nasal guide to the patient(step 1104). As previously described, the nasal guide may be secured inany number of ways including elastics, headgear, straps, clips,adhesives, draped configurations, and so forth. The nasal guide may beadjustable (e.g., tightening bands, Velcro, securing holes, etc.) andmay secured to any portion of the body, clothes, or accessories of thepatient, such as any portion of the head neck, or ears. The nasal guidemay also be connected to protective glasses. In one embodiment, thesecuring portion of the nasal guide is draped around the ears of apatient similar to a nasal cannula.

Next the medical professional inserts one or more medical instrumentsthrough the nasal guide to perform a procedure (1106). The medicalinstruments may be inserted into and retracted from the nostrils andnasal passage any number of times. The nasal guide guides the medicalinstruments into the nasal passage during insertion. In one exampledetailing use of the nasal guide, a single medical professional ratherthan multiple medical professionals may perform a medical procedure. Thenasal guide may be utilized to ensure that the medical instruments arepositioned correctly to prevent abrasion, stabbing, or scraping the boneor tissue within the nasal passages or the interior and exterior of thenostrils. In addition, the nasal guide stabilizes the instruments in thenose to allow for ease of manipulation during the procedures especiallyif the patient moves or sneezes.

In one embodiment, the medical professional may apply suction or oxygenthrough the nasal guide (step 1108). The nasal guide may be utilized toprovide suction or oxygen before, during, or after the procedure. Forexample, the nasal guide may be configured for simultaneously performingthe medical procedure through a first lumens as well as applying suctionor oxygen through a second lumen or through a separate side of the nasalguide. An attachment or insert may be built-in, inserted, or attached tothe nasal guide to apply suction or oxygen for the patient. In oneexample, one or more adapters may be inserted or screwed into theopenings of the lumens to provide suction or oxygen to the patient.Application of suction or oxygen through the nasal guide providesflexibility for rapidly-developing situations. For example, immediatelyafter a surgery a patient may need to receive oxygen to stimulaterecovery. As a result, the nasal guide may serve a dual-purpose. Inaddition, the nasal guide may be utilized to secure oxygen or applysuction for patients that are seizing, moving, or otherwise unable toreceive oxygen or suction through traditional means.

Turning now to FIGS. 12, 13 and 15, a schematic, pictorialrepresentation of a portable endoscope 1200 is shown in accordance withillustrative embodiments. An endoscope is an instrument that may beintroduced into the body of an individual or patient to give a view ofinternal parts. The portable endoscope 1200 may be utilized in verysmall spaces and is easier to use than existing endoscopes. Existingendoscopes are generally bulky and not ergonomically shaped and mayrequire two or more medical professionals to operate effectively (e.g.,a doctor and nurse). In one embodiment, the portable endoscope 1200 is awireless scope that is condensed into a reduced footprint size. Theportable endoscope 1200 may be utilized by a single user or positioned asingle time or as needed within a nasal guide to free up hands of themedical professional.

The portable endoscope 1200 may be cleaned for repeated use or may be adisposable one-time use portable endoscope 1200. The portable endoscope1200 may be a wand or cylindrical-shape for easy handling by a medicalprofessional. In one embodiment, the portable endoscope has a diameteror cross-sectional measurement of between 1 mm to 5 mm, although thediameter may vary widely depending on the particular application.

The portable endoscope 1200 may a stand-alone device or may be utilizedor integrated with the nasal guide as herein described. For example, theportable endoscope 1200 may be built into one or more of the lumens ofthe nasal guide. The portable endoscope 1200 may also be attached to orinserted into the nasal guide.

As shown in the schematic front views of FIGS. 14 and 15, the portableendoscope 1200 may be shaped as a circle, oval, ellipse, or a roundedtriangle shape. The portable endoscope 1200 may be utilized for anynumber of medical or non-medical procedures or examinations that areknown in the art. In one embodiment, the portable endoscope 1200 isconfigured to be received by an opening, lumen, or port of the nasalguide as herein described. The portable endoscope 1200 may be insertedto a required depth and positioned to display a video image to themedical professional. In one embodiment, friction, tight tolerances, orinterference fittings of the opening and external dimensions of theportable endoscope 1200 may be utilized to secure the portable endoscope1200 in the nasal guide. In an alternative embodiment, the nasal guidemay include a positioning motor for musing the portable endoscope 1200in and out, rotating the portable endoscope 1200, or otherwisepositioning the portable endoscope 1200 within the examined space. Thesame may be performed for a camera 1202 without moving the remainder ofthe portable endoscope.

In one embodiment, the portable endoscope 1200 may include the camera1202, a light 1204, a transceiver 1206, a battery 1208, and a switch1210. The portable endoscope 1200 may be enclosed in a case 1201. In oneembodiment, the case 1201 is a waterproof framework completely sealingin and securing the components of the portable endoscope 1200. The case1201 may include any number of seals and watertight connections ensuringthat the portable endoscope 1200 may be utilized multiple times withoutdamage from fluids. For example, the case 1201 may be formed entirely ofa metal, polymer, plastic, or glass. In another embodiment, differentcomponents and materials may be fused together. For example, the mainbody of the case 1201 may be formed of stainless steel with a glass endor lens (not shown) for the light 1204 to shine through and the camera1202 to retrieve video images.

In one embodiment, the case 1201 includes the contacts, interfaces,wires, or busses for each of the internal electrical components. Forexample, the camera 1202 and/or light 1204 may contact a video busintegrated within the frame for transmitting the video signal to thetransceiver 1206 for transmission. The light 1204 may also include aninterface for communicating video signals from the camera 1204 to thecase 1201 or directly to the transceiver 1206. In one embodiment, thebus for sending and receiving video or commands may be insulated or thecase 1201 may include a designated space ensuring that none of thecomponents contact the bus. Likewise, a wire or power conduit integratedwithin the case 1201 may communicate an electrical signal from thebattery 1208 to the transceiver 1206, light 1204, and/or camera 1202.Alternatively, the electrical components may be serially connected inthe positioned order for both powering the components and communicatinga video signal (and command signals as needed).

A first end 1203 of the case 1201 may include or be formed of a lens ortransparent plastic cover focusing or allowing light to be acquired asvideo content by the camera 1202. Any number of lenses may be utilizeddepending on the medical procedure being performed. For example, thelens may be a simple convex, biconvex, plano-convex, positive meniscus,negative meniscus, plano-concave, macro, zoom, apochromat, process,fisheye, stereoscopic, infrared, ultraviolet, swivel, biconcave, etc.lens. The lens may also be selected to prevent fluids from accumulatingon the camera 1202 and light 1204 blocking the view of the relevantsite.

In one embodiment, the camera 1202 is a condensed digital video cameraconfigured for wirelessly communicating the video content through thetransceiver 1206. The camera 1202 may be configured to capture video inresponse to the output of the light 1204, which may broadcast visiblelight, specific spectrums, infrared, ultrasound, ultra violet, x-ray,gamma ray, or other electromagnetic or non-electromagnetic imaging. Inone embodiment, the light 1204 may be a fiber optic light that ispowered by external sources. Any kind of digital or fiberoptic imagingor viewing device may be used. In one embodiment, the camera 1202 is acharge coupled device (CCD) camera, such as a CMOS camera composed ofmultiple stacked and interconnected semiconductor layers. The camera1202 may be configured or selected to correspond to, pick-up, or capturethe type of light 1204 inserted or installed in the portable endoscope1200. The camera 1202 may be manually or remotely controllable. Forexample, the camera 1202 may include a swivel lens that rotates to giveunique perspectives and camera angles. The lens or camera 1202 may beconfigured to protrude from or extend from the portable endoscope 1200.In another embodiment, the camera 1202 may be a fiber optic camera.

The camera 1202 may utilize any number of electronic or even vibrationalspectra for chemical analysis oximetry, disease classification, andmolecular microscopy. For example, the camera 1202 may also beconfigured to include features of a microscope. In addition, diffusereflection, fluorescence reflectance (fluorescence spectroscopy), Ramanreflectance (Raman spectroscopy), and absorption may be observed,measured, or recorded by the camera 1202. The available or desiredwavelength or spectrum may affect the light 1204 and camera 1202selected for the portable endoscope 1200. The camera 1202 may beconfigured to produce 1-D spatial information utilizing a singlewavelength or spectrum, 2-D spatial information utilizing wide-fieldspectroscopy/hyperspectral imaging, and 3-D spatial informationutilizing tomography. The camera 1202 may be selected for a particularlight 1204 or based on characteristics of the camera 1202 or generatedvideo signal including resolution, intensity, frame rate,signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), peak SNR, noise immunity, timing, scanning,and so forth.

The video captured by the camera may be transmitted directly orindirectly to the wireless device 1212 or computing device 1214. Forexample, the portable endoscope 1200 may communicate with the computingdevice 1214 through a network 1216. The network 1216 may utilize acommunication standard, such as 802.11 . . . (e.g., 802.11n) as thestandard continues to be updated. The direct or indirect communicationsmay represent Bluetooth, ZigBee, WiFi, wireless local area network(WLAN), WiMAX, proprietary standards, or other radio frequency signalswhether analog or digital that may be utilized to communicate a videosignal. Any number of FCC, FDA, IEEE, ISO, CEN, ETSI, ARIB, ANSI, or IECapproved communications protocols or standards may also be transmittedby the transceiver 1206. Indeed, the types of wireless or wiredstandards or methods of communication are numerous.

The video signal may be received and displayed by the wireless device1212 and/or computing device 1214 in real-time. The video signal may beformatted before or after being sent from the portable endoscope 1200.In one embodiment, the portable endoscope 1200 may include a processor,ASIC, FPGA, and/or other logic for managing the portable endoscope 1200and processing the video signals. The video may be compressed in a rawor formatted state for communication by the transceiver 1206. Forexample, the video content may be packetized and communicated with orwithout encryption. Error detection and known packet analysis,processing, decryption, and other similar steps may be performed by areceiving device. In one embodiment, the portable endoscope 1200 mayinclude a memory for storing the video content for subsequent analysis,review, documentation, training, or educational purposes. Alternatively,the video may be recorded by the wireless device 1212 or computingdevice 1214 for the same reasons. The wireless device 1212 and computingdevice 1214 may also act as a server to deliver or save content to anynumber of other client devices, systems, equipment, streamingconfigurations, or databases.

In another embodiment, a cable or wire may be utilized to communicatethe video directly to the wireless device 1212, computing device 1214,or to an eternal transceiver that is not integrated with the case 1201of the portable endoscope. (see, e.g., FIG. 16 below). The same cablemay also be utilized to power the portable endoscope 1200 from a remotelocation further reducing the required size of the portable endoscope1200. For example, a USB cable (e.g., standard, mini, micro, etc.)connected to the portable endoscope 1200 and wireless device 1212 mayboth power the portable endoscope 1200 and communicate video to thewireless device 1212.

A second end 1205 of the case 1201 may be removable for inserting orremoving the components of the portable endoscope 1200. For example, thesecond end 1205 of the case 1201 may snap in, interconnect, latch, orinclude threads for securing the components of the case 1201. Theportable endoscope 1200 may communicate with the wireless device 1212 orthe computing device 1214.

In one embodiment, the components of the portable endoscope 1200 may beinterchangeable. For example, even the relative positioning ofcomponents, such as the transceiver 1206 and battery 1208, may bevaried. For example, the transceiver 1206 may more efficiently transmitand receive signals when positioned at the second end 1205 of theportable endoscope 1200 where the battery 1208 is shown. As a result,the portable endoscope 1200 may be configured for each patient ormedical professional. For example, different cameras or batteries may beinserted into the case 1201 for different situations. In one embodiment,the video camera 1202 may be an infrared camera or spectrum-specificcamera configured to view blood flow (or the lack thereof) within thenose. In another embodiment, the components of the portable endoscope1200 are permanently connected.

In one embodiment, the components of the portable endoscope 1200 arepowered by the battery 1208. The battery 1208 may be a high-poweredenergy storage device. For example, the battery 1208 may be arechargeable or one-time use polymer battery, alkaline, zinc-airbattery, lithium ion battery, thin film battery, ultracapacitor, fuelcell, piezo electric generator, or other capacitors or batteries beingdeveloped and known in the art. The portable endoscope 1200 may beutilized repeatedly by replacing the battery 1208 as needed.

In another embodiment, the portable endoscope 1200 may include a port(not shown) for recharging the battery 1208 without removing the battery1208 from the case 1201. Similarly, the portable endoscope 1200 may beconfigured to function in a wireless or wired state. For example, theportable endoscope 1200 may be connected directly to the computingdevice 1214 utilizing a cable, bus, wire, or connector, such as amicro-USB to USB connector for communicating video content.Additionally, the portable endoscope 1200 may not include the battery1208 and instead may be powered and display video content through thewireless device 1212 or computing device 1214. For example, if themedical professional utilizes the wireless features of the portableendoscope draining the battery 1208, the portable endoscope 1200 may beconnected to the computing device 1214 for the additional powerrequirements while simultaneously charging the battery 1208 forsubsequent wireless usage. In another embodiment, the portable endoscope1200 may be capable of being directly charged by, e.g., a wall outlet orother stationary or semi-stationary form of power supply.

In one embodiment, the camera 1202, light 1204, transceiver 1206, andbattery 1208 may be interconnected by magnetic leads (not shown). Themagnetic leads may automatically align and attach the components whenplaced in proximity to one another. The magnetic leads may includecontacts for power, logic, or command signals, as well as videocommunications between each component. In another embodiment, leads,wires contacts, or connectors may be built into the case 1201 forcommunicating power, video, control signals, or other signals betweenthe camera 1202, transceiver 1206, and battery 1208 which may alsoinclude contacts or leads for interfacing with the case 1201. In anotherembodiment, the camera 1202, transceiver 1206, and battery 1208, andother described components may communicate signals utilizing ports,contacts, adapters, or male and female connectors. For example, theconnectors may be a reduced size version of a mini-DIN, S-video, DVI,USB, coaxial, or HDMI connectors (micro video connectors). For example,the connectors may have a footprint of 0.25 mm-1 cm (diameter, arealength, etc), however, larger and smaller footprints are also possible.In addition, the diameter of the portable endoscope 1200 may varybetween 0.1 mm and 1.5 cm with other sizes being produced for differentapplications.

The components of the portable endoscope 1200 may include longitudinalor lateral ridges, notches, or other alignment structures for properlyaligning a component, such as the light 1204 and camera 1202 within thetransceiver 1206 and battery 1208. For example, a fridge (not shown)along the top of the cylindrically-shaped camera 1202 may prevent thecamera 1202 from being inserted in the light 1204 except when in theproper alignment. Similar ridges may be included on the light 1204,transceiver 1206, battery 1208, and logic if present. A correspondingnotch or ridge on the case 1201 may align the components.

In another embodiment, portions or components of the portable endoscope1200 may be separated by flexible connectors (not shown) (e.g.,centipede configuration) that allow distinct components or portions ofthe portable endoscope 1200 to be individually angled and positioned.For example, wired connectors between each component of the portableendoscope 1200, such as a bus configured to communicate video signalsand power, may enhance flexibility. For example, the light 1204 andcamera 1202 portion of the portable endoscope 1200 may be angled aparticular direction, relative to the remainder of the portableendoscope 1200, before insertion into the nose to view a selected sinus.The separated flexible portions of the portable endoscope 1200 may bemanually adjusted or controlled by one or more servos. In one example, amechanical pivot that provides resistive adjustments may be twisted toachieve the desired configuration of the portable endoscope. Forexample, a graphical user interface accessible through the computingdevice 1214 may be utilized to receive user selections or commands topivot or rotate the portion of the portable endoscope 1200 including thecamera 1202 and light 1204.

The electrical components of the portable endoscope 1200 may bemanufactured utilizing processes for plastic, organic, and inorganicsemiconductors, substrates, electronics, and logic. For example, thelight 1204, transceiver 1206, battery 1208 may include flexibleplastic-based substrates that function with printable conductive inks,organic light-emitting diode (OLED) layers and materials, and/oractive-matrix thin-film-transistor arrays. Multilayer compositestructures may be utilized to create and manufacture the portableendoscope 1200. For example, roll-to-roll processing with inkjetprinting or spray deposition may be utilized to produce the flexible andreduced footprint components of the portable endoscope 1200. In oneembodiment, the entire portable endoscope 1200 may be configured to flexto be moved and positioned to the correct location. Magnetic coupling,wires, and MEMs connections may be utilized to bend and flex theportable endoscope 1200.

FIG. 13 is a schematic, side-view of a light 1204 and camera 1202 inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. In one embodiment, thecamera 1202 is cylindrically shaped and is inserted or partially encasedin the light 1204. The light 1204 may be doughnut, or annular, shapedand configured to receive the camera 1202. During assembly of thevarious parts, the light 1204 and camera 1202 may be changed out as haspreviously been described.

In another embodiment, the camera 1202 and light 1204 may both bestacked or placed side by side. Alternatively, the camera 1202 and/orlight 1204 may utilize different shapes, such as an ellipse,semi-circle, square, rectangle, or oval.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic front views of the portable endoscope 1200in accordance with illustrative embodiments. FIG. 14 illustrates theportable endoscope 1220 shaped as an oval. The light 1204 may be formedfrom boomerang-shaped lights. The light 1204 may emit a single spectrumof light or distinct spectra depending on the needs of the medicalprofessional. For example, an upper portion 1206 of the light may be aminiaturized halogen light configured to emit a bright white light andthe lower portion 1208 of the light may be an infrared LED that may beactivated as needed. In one embodiment, the light 1204 and camera 1202may directly abut each other. In another embodiment, any number ofspacers or separators may be built into the case 1201, camera 1202, orlight 1204 to correctly position the various components.

FIG. 15 illustrates the portable endoscope 1200 of FIG. 13 with a camera1202 and a surrounding light 1204. The light 1204 may be a single lightor may be composed of multiple lights that transmit light or signals atdifferent frequencies or intensities. For example, different lights maybe turned on at different times to examine cartilage, bone, blood flow,skin, or other forms of tissue. In one embodiment, the camera 1202 mayfixedly or movably extend or protrude from the end of the portableendoscope 1200 to provide an uninhibited view of portions of the bodyduring use.

In one embodiment, the camera 1202 may be connected to a motor thatallows the camera 1202 to extend a small distance from the end of theportable endoscope 1200, rotate, and/or pivot. For example, the case1201 may include bearings or rollers (not shown) for extending androtating the camera 1202. The motor may be controlled remotelyutilizing, logic included in the portable endoscope 1200. For example,the wireless device 1212 of FIG. 12 may include a graphical userinterface for rotating or pivoting the camera 1202, extending the camera1202, switching between light spectrums, and recording video content. Inaddition, the camera 1202 may be able to zoom in and out. In oneembodiment, the camera 1202 may utilize a fly eye configuration to getmultiple views.

FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of a portable endoscope 1600 inaccordance with another embodiment. The portable endoscope 1600 mayinclude a case 1602, first end 1604, camera 1606, light 1608, cable1610, transceiver 1612, and battery 1614. The portable endoscope 1600 isexternally connected to the transceiver 1612 and battery 1614. As aresult, the size of the portable endoscope 1600 may be reduced evenfurther.

In out embodiment, the cable 1610 of the portable endoscope 1600 isincorporated into an elastic, Velcro band, or securing component for thenasal guide. The cable 1610 may include a video cable for communicatinga video signal to the transceiver 1612 as well as a wire for providingpower. The transceiver 1612 and battery 1614 may be attached orintegrated into the securing component (e.g., elastic band) of the nasalguide. For example, the Velcro band may include a pocket for insertingthe transceiver 1612 and battery 1614, and the cable 1610 may be builtin. In one embodiment, the transceiver 1612 may also include a port (notshown) for connecting the portable endoscope 1600 to a wireless deviceor computing device to view the video content and perform the medicalprocedure with the visual assistance of the portable endoscope 1600.

The first end 1604 of the portable endoscope 1600 may have a diagonalconcave shape for preventing blood, mucous, pus, or other fluids fromaccumulating on the first end 1604 thereby blocking the view of thecamera 1606 and the output of the light 1608. Blood that accumulates onthe first end 1604 preferably runs to the bottom or side of the portableendoscope 1600 because of the shape.

In another embodiment, the first end 1604 may be rounded with an evenconcave shape that pushes or maintains an air bubble in front of thefirst end 1604 of the portable endoscope 1600 during utilization keepingthe camera 1606 unobstructed.

FIG. 17 is a schematic, pictorial representation of a nasal guide 1700being utilized with a portable endoscope 1702 and a balloon catheter1704 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The balloon catheter1704 may be a medical device, endoscope, catheter, technology, orsystem, such as those sold by Acclarent. In one embodiment, the medicalprofessional may insert and position the nasal guide 1700 in the nose ofthe patient as previously described. In this embodiment, the nasal guide1700 includes an elongated frame 1705 enclosing a first lumen 1708 and asecond lumen 1710. The lumens 1708 and 1710 of the nasal guide 1700 areelongated to reach further into the nasal cavity of the patient towardthe sinuses for performing various medical procedures. As previouslydescribed, the elongated frame 1705 may narrow slightly at one end tofacilitate expansion of the nostrils and to reach further into the nasalcavities as the nasal cavities narrow.

The portable endoscope 1702 and balloon catheter 1704 may be positionedin either the first lumen 1708 or the second lumen 1710 of the nasalguide 1700. In one embodiment, the nasal guide 1700 may include thefirst lumen 1708 and second lumen 1710 for both nostrils and theportable endoscope 1702 and balloon catheter 1704 may be moved betweenany of those lumens based on the physical condition of the patient,medical procedure being performed, and/or preferences of the medicalprofessional.

Next, the portable endoscope 1702 may be inserted through the firstlumen 1708 of the nasal guide 1700 to the nasal cavity of the patient.The portable endoscope 1702 may be turned on and activated to begincommunicating video through a wireless signal 1706 to a wireless adapter1707 wireless device, or computing device as previously described. Thewireless adapter 1707 may be utilized with any number of electronicdevices to receive or format the video content in real-time. In oneembodiment, the wireless adapter 1707 is an adapter, such as a USBadapter, dongle, or other interface configured to receive wirelesscommunications from the portable endoscope 1702, and may decode,decrypt, and/or format the video signal retrieved by the camera of theportable endoscope 1702 for view by a medical professional or otherparty.

The portable endoscope 1702 is secured by the nasal guide 1700 at adesired position and location selected by the medical professional. Theportable endoscope 1702 may easily be further inserted, removed, orrotated. The video provided by the portable endoscope 1702 may becommunicated to one or more other devices for guiding or informing themedical professional while performing a medical procedure. The portableendoscope 1702 may provide both light and video within the nasal or bodycavity or other orifice. The light and video may be utilized to positionand utilize the balloon catheter 1704. For example, the video from theportable endoscope 1702 may ensure that a wire and balloon insertedthrough the balloon catheter are guided into a selected sinus forperforming a procedure, such a balloon sinuplasty.

In another embodiment, the portable endoscope 1702 may include amotorized end for controlling the positioning of the inserted end withthe light and camera. For example, the portable endoscope 1702 may pivot90° and rotate 360°. In addition, the light and camera may be configuredto be extended or retracted from the frame of the portable endoscope1702. For example, a graphical user interface of an iPad, tablet, orother computing device may be utilized to vertically and horizontallyposition and angle the portable endoscope (and corresponding light andcamera) to a desired position to illuminate tissue and provide videoguidance of the balloon catheter 1704 and insertion of a wired ballooninto one or more sinuses.

In another embodiment, the first lumen 1708 or the second lumen 1710 maybe enclosed or sealed on an interior end 1711. As a result, anon-medical scope, borescope, probe, or other instrument may be insertedinto the nasal guide 1700 without requiring an FDA approved device orextensive sanitation. The sealed end of the lumen may be formed of atransparent glass or plastic for videoing through the nasal guide 1700.In another embodiment, the nasal guide 1700 includes extensions (notshown) sized only slightly bigger than the first lumen 1708 or secondlumen 1710 for extending the reach of the openings. The extensions maybe straw-like extensions that further extend the reach of the nasalguide 1700 and may be open ended or enclosed. Depending on theconfiguration of the nasal guide 1700 as has been illustrated in theprevious embodiments, the extensions may extend from 1 cm to 20 cm fromthe end of the elongated frame 1705, but the distance may vary from thisdepending on the procedure or application.

In another embodiment, the extensions or the elongated frame 1705 of thenasal guide 1700 may include corrugations (not shown) like a flexiblestraw for angling or positioning the first lumen 1708 and second lumen1710. For example, the nasal guide 1700 may be manually bent orconfigured particularly at the corrugations to enhance performance ofthe medical procedure and the nose of the patient. Similarly, a portionof the frame 1705 of the portable endoscope 1702 may be corrugated formanually, mechanically, or electrically configuring the shape anddirection of the portable endoscope 1702.

FIG. 18 is a schematic, pictorial representation of an endoscopicperipheral 1800 in accordance with art illustrative embodiment. In oneembodiment, the endoscopic peripheral 1800 is part of an endoscopicsystem 1801. The endoscopic system 1801 may be utilized to illuminate,capture, view, and manage captured content. The endoscopic system 1801may be utilized for self-examination or to examine others based on thecircumstances.

The endoscopic, system 1801 may be sold to individual users forperforming self-examinations or examinations of others. For example,users in remote locations, such as rural users, military users, campers,or so forth, may utilize the endoscopic system 1801 to do examinations,perform analysis, or so forth. The endoscopic system 1801 may also beutilized to perform an after-hours examination or an examination basedon specific instructions from a medical professional. In one embodiment,the endoscopic peripheral 1800 may be configured to automaticallydisplay, store, and communicate content.

In one embodiment, the endoscopic system 1801 includes a plug 1804, aflexible cord 1806, a bending portion 1808, a camera 1810, a light 1812,a wireless device 1814, and an application 1816. The camera 1810, thelight 1812, and the bending portion 1808 may also be referred to as afirst end 1820 and the plug 1804 and/or a portion of the flexible cord1806 may also be referred to as a second end 1822. In one embodiment,all or portions of the endoscopic peripheral 1800 may be replaceable orinterchangeable. For example, the bending portion 1808 may be replacedwith a straight fixed or straight curved end for visualizing a patient'sthroat or nose. The first end 1820 or the second end 1822 may also bereplaced due to damage. In one embodiment, the endoscopic peripheral1800 may include plugs or interfaces separating the first end 1820 andsecond end 1822 from the flexible cord 1806.

The endoscopic peripheral 1800 may include a fixed or rigid housing orcase for encompassing the enclosed components and connections, such asthose describe in the first end 1820. In another embodiment, thecomponents of the endoscopic peripheral 1800 are integrated, fittogether, or adhered. In yet another embodiment, the components of theendoscopic peripheral 1800 are substantially enclosed by an exteriorcovering or surface of the flexible cord 1806. All of the components ofthe camera 1810 and light 1812 are not covered to maintain the necessaryfunctionality as is described herein.

The plug 1804 may be embodied in any number of configurations. Forexample, the plug 1804 may represent any number of standardized orproprietary connectors. The plug 1804 may include any number of pins orcontacts for interfacing with electronic devices. Wires, paths,connectors, or conductors within the flexible cord 1806 may communicatethe captured video content to the plug 1804 for communication to aninterconnected electronic device, such as the wireless device 1814.

In another embodiment, the plug 1804 may be plugged into an adapter notshown) that may be directly connected to the applicable computing orcommunications device. The adapter may be especially useful forsituations where the flexible cord 1806 is not long enough. For example,the plug 1804 may be a USB plug (e.g., USB 1.x, 2.x, 4.x, type A, B,etc), and the adapter may be configured to adapt the USB connection toother plug interfaces, such as a standard USB (Type A, B), micro-USB,mini USB, USB On-The-Go, lighting, Apple connectors, or so forth.However, the plug 1804 may be any standard (e.g., GSMA trade associationapproved) or proprietary plug for communicating with computing orcommunications devices provided by known manufacturers and serviceproviders (e.g., Apple, Samsung, RIM, Qualcomm, ZTE, LG, Amazon, Huawei,Google, HTC, Nokia, Microsoft, Sony Ericcson, Dell, Acer, Lenovo, NEC,Kyocera, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Sanyo, Sharp, Alcatel, Toshiba, etc). Inanother embodiment, the adapter may be a wireless transceiver forcommunicating with the wireless device 1814 or a computing devicethrough a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, nearfield communication (NFC), WiMAX, PCS, GSM, CDMA, GPRS, infrared, aproprietary connection, or so forth. Any number of FCC, FDA, IEEE, ISO,CEN, ETSI, ARIB, ANSI, or IEC approved wireless communications protocolsor standards may also be transmitted by the endoscopic peripheral 1800or the adapter. The wireless adapter may also include logic forencoding, formatting, and processing signals to and from the wirelessdevice 1814. The wireless adapter may be utilized for applications wherethe standard cord length is insufficient or the environment is otherwiseincompatible.

The length of the flexible cord 1806 may vary based on the application.For example, the flexible cord 1806 may vary between 6 cm to 5 meter inlength. The endoscopic peripheral 1800 may also be utilized with arepeating or extension device to extend the length of the flexible cord1806. In one embodiment, the flexible cord 1806 shields and protects thetwisted pairs, wires, or cabling encompassed within the endoscopicperipheral 1800. The exterior of the flexible cord 1806 may be composedof plastic, rubber, or another protecting material. For example, theflexible cord 1806 may represent medical grade plastic that may be moreeasily cleaned and sterilized for repeated use. In one embodiment, theflexible cord 1806 may include an outer protective layer, a shield (orshielding), an electrostatic shield, insulation, and one or moreconductors or electrical contacts configured to communicate power, imagecontent, and control signals. For example, the electrostatic shield maya jacketed wire mesh configured to reduce electronic noise andinterference.

The bending portion 1808 is configured to be bent or positioned andthereafter hold the position. For example, the user may position thebending portion 1808 as an arced shape that may facilitate looking intothe mouth of an individual. In one embodiment, the bending portion 1808may be linked to controls (not shown) or a motor (not shown) forcontrolling the motion, angle, or position of the bending portion. Forexample, a directional controller may be configured to move the camera1810 and light 1812 to a particular direction, position, or angle. Inanother embodiment, the bending portion 1808 may be flexible enough todeform based on the provided space and configuration in which theendoscopic peripheral 1800 is being utilized.

The camera 1810 may be a video or still image capturing device as waspreviously described. In one embodiment, the camera 1810 is aminiaturized camera inserted in the tip of the endoscopic peripheral1800 and configured to communicate the captured content through a wire,bus, cable or so forth. In one embodiment, the camera 1810 may include aprocessor, DSP, ASIC, graphics rendering chip, or other processing unitor circuit for processing the captured images. In another embodiment,the camera 1810 may communicate the raw captured content to a separateelectronic device for processing. The camera 1810 may also represent afiber optic camera with processing components at the second end 1822near or integrated with the plug 1804.

In one embodiment, the endoscopic peripheral 1800 may include anintegrated or externally connected thermometer (not shown). For example,the camera 1810, light 1812, or bending portion 1808 may include anintegrated thermometer (not shown). The thermometer may be a digitalthermometer utilized to accurately determine a user's temperature anddisplay the information to the wireless device 1814. However, thethermometer may be a mercury-in-glass thermometer, infrared thermometer,or liquid crystal thermometer that may be utilized to check temperatureas well as determine whether an individual has a fever or ishypothermic.

The described embodiments of the endoscopic peripheral 1800 and wirelessendoscope are configured to be universal plug-and-play devices for bothcomputing, communications, and other electronic devices. In oneembodiment, the endoscopic peripheral 1800 is hot pluggable andconfigured for zero configuration connections. For example, whenphysically or wirelessly connected to an electronic device, theendoscopic peripheral 1800 or wireless endoscope may automaticallyestablish working configurations with other devices, such as computing,communications, or other electronic devices. The plug-and-play standardscomply with applicable wired or wireless standards set by the UniversalPlug and Play (UPnP), IEEE (e.g. 802.11X, 802.14X, DICOM, MIB, PersonalHealth Data (PHD), and so forth. Combined standards or proprietarystandards may also be utilized.

In another embodiment, the wireless device 1814 (or a computing device)may include a processor, memory, and other hardware, firmware, andsoftware that are specifically designed to interoperate with theendoscopic peripheral 1800. The endoscopic peripheral 1800 may alsoinclude a processor and memory. The processor is circuitry or logicenabled to control execution of a set of instructions. The processor maybe one or more microprocessors, digital signal processors,application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), central processingunits, or other devices suitable for controlling an electronic deviceincluding one or more hardware and software elements, executingsoftware, instructions, programs, and applications, converting andprocessing signals and information, and performing other related tasks.For example, the processor may perform encoding of standard or highdefinition content captured by the camera 1810 to reduce latency whencommunicating or viewing the content. In another example, the contentmay be raw, encoded, or formatted content that is processed by theinterconnected electronic device, such as the wireless device 1814.

The processor may be a single chip or integrated with other computing orcommunications elements. The memory may be a hardware element, device,or recording media configured to store data for subsequent retrieval oraccess at a later time. The memory may be static or dynamic memory. Thememory may include a hard disk, random access memory, cache, removablemedia drive, mass storage, or configuration suitable as storage fordata, instructions, and information. In one embodiment, the memory andprocessor may be integrated. The memory may use any type of volatile ornon-volatile storage techniques and mediums.

In one embodiment, the endoscopic peripheral 1800 may include a memoryto store content captured by the camera 1810. For example, each newexamination session may be saved as a discrete file that may becommunicated, accessed, or retrieved later. The memory may also store anapplication that is utilized to interface the endoscopic peripheral 1800with the wireless device 1814. For example, a program, script,sub-routine, set of instructions, or so forth may be stored in thememory so that when the endoscopic peripheral is plugged into anelectronic device, the electronic device is configured to decode,process, format, and view the captured content as well as managefunctionality of the endoscopic peripheral 1800. The user may utilizethe wireless device 1814 to turn the endoscopic peripheral 1800 on andoff, adjust the light intensity, resolution, video/image characteristics(e.g., compression, format, brightness, contrast, frames, aspect ratio,etc), physically angle the camera or lights, adjust or turn on and offdifferent sets of lights, automatically stream content, store content onthe endoscopic peripheral 1800, wireless device 1814, or other component

The wireless device 1814 may include any number of hard keys or softkeys. The hard keys are dedicated buttons or interface elementshard-coded for a single, unique, and consistent purpose. Examples ofhard keys include the 12-buttons of the traditional alpha-numerickeypad, the send/end keys commonly found on mobile phones, and buttonsto initiate or end a speakerphone function. The soft keys areprogrammable buttons or interface elements. Soft keys are usuallylocated alongside a display device and may perform different functionsdependent on the text shown near the soft keys on the display. Examplesof soft keys may include a power button for the endoscopic peripheral1800.

The wireless device 1814 may include any number of computing andtelecommunications components, devices or elements which may includebusses, motherboards, circuits, ports, interfaces, cards, converters,adapters, connections, transceivers, displays antennas, and othersimilar components. For example, the wireless device 1814 may representa voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) phone, plain old telephone system(POTS) telephone, e-reader, or so forth that may receive and/orcommunicate the content captured by the camera 1810.

In one embodiment, the content captured by the endoscopic peripheral1800 may be communicated to, through, or by a portal or other softwareor hardware interface. The portal may be a web site that functions as acentral point of access to information on the Internet or an intranet.The portal may be accessed from any computing or communications systemor device enabled to communicate through a network connection. Theendoscopic peripheral 1800 may have a hardware or software identifierthat is utilized to automatically route captured content to the portalfor viewing, storage, management, or so forth.

FIG. 19 is a schematic, pictorial representation of another endoscopicperipheral 1900 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Theendoscopic peripheral 1900 may include a micro USB plug 1902, a camera1904, a funnel shaped head 1906, and a latch 1908.

In one embodiment, the endoscopic peripheral 1900 may include a microUSB plug 1902. The micro USB plug 1902 may be configured to be insertedinto a computing or communications device. For example, many smartphones include micro USB connectors that may be configured tocommunicate with the endoscopic peripheral 1900. However, the micro USBplug 1902 may be replaced by any miniaturized plug whether standardizedor custom designed. The endoscopic peripheral 1900 may also include as astandard accessory one or more adapters for converting the plug, such asthe micro USB plug 1902, to a different standard or format, such as USB.

In another embodiment, the adapter (not shown) may be a wirelesstransceiver. The wireless transceiver adapter may include a rechargeablebattery and may be configured to communicate with computing orcommunications devices utilizing Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, near fieldcommunications, Zigby or other communications standards, protocols, orformats.

In one embodiment, a body 1912 of the endoscopic peripheral 1900 mayinclude any number of strengthening, shielding, or strength components.For example, the body 1902 or cord portion of the endoscopic peripheral1900 may include a wire or plastic framework both surrounding andshielding the wires within the body 1912. As a result, the body 1912 maybe shielded from radio frequency signals and other electronic noise thatare common in the various environments in which the endoscopicperipheral 1900 will be utilized. In addition, the structure of the body1912 may prevent the body 1912 from stretching, tearing, or sustainingexcess wear due to repositioning or otherwise moving the endoscopicperipheral 1900. For example, the body 1912 may be long enough that amedical professional may occasionally step on or run over the body 1912with an office chair or otherwise apply pressure and strain on theendoscopic peripheral 1900 which it is configured to bear without losingfunctionality.

In one embodiment, the endoscopic peripheral 1900 may include the funnelshaped head 1906. The camera 1904 may be placed at the tip of the funnelshaped head 1906 for visualizing a patient's ear, nose, or other organor body portion. The funnel shaped head 1906 may be configured as asafety structure for the endoscopic peripheral 1900. For example, theincreased angle and widening head of the funnel shaped head 1906 mayensure that a user does not insert the endoscopic peripheral 1900 toofar into a patient's body. For example, the funnel shaped head 1906 mayprevent the user from damaging a patient's eardrum when trying tovisualize a potential medical issue in the patient's ear. Inthree-dimensions, the funnel shaped head 1906 is conically shaped withthe camera 1904 at the tip of the head. The length and angles of thefunnel shaped head 1906 may vary. For example, the funnel shaped head1906 may be elongated for viewing the sinuses of a patient or may beshorter for viewing the ear of a patient.

In one embodiment, sides 1914 of the funnel shaped head 1906 may becurved or arced to select an insertion depth for the funnel shaped head1906 within the patient. The funnel shaped head 1906 and the camera 1904may be replaceable or attached to the body 1912 for customization. Forexample, the shape and size of the funnel shaped head 1906 may vary forpediatric, adult, and animal usage. For example, the funnel shaped head1906 may be very short in length and wide for visualizing children'seardrums when compared with a funnel shaped head 1906 that may beutilized to visualize the sinuses of a horse.

In another embodiment, the ends 1910 of the funnel shaped head 1906 mayinclude extensions or a collar that are integrated with or attached tothe funnel shaped head 1906 at the ends 1910 to prevent over-insertionor extension of the endoscopic peripheral 1900 in the patient's bodyduring utilization. The endoscopic peripheral 1900 may include one ormore latches 1908 for securing a disposable cover (not shown). Forexample, the latch 1908 may be configured to hold a securing ring 2006(shown in FIG. 20 below).

In another embodiment, the latch 1908 may be one or more hooks orextensions hingedly or pivotally attached to the body 1912 to secure orreceive the securing ring of the disposable cover. The latch 1908 mayalso include a release for removing the disposable cover from the latch1908. As a result, the disposable cover is secured in place duringutilization and easily attached and removed when working with a numberof patients, such as in the clinical or emergency setting. As previouslydisclosed, the funnel shaped head 1906 ending may be flexible forvarying applications. For example, the funnel shaped head 1906 may beformed of a flexible plastic or rubber material that is less likely toinjure a patient during a rigorous examination. The disposable cover mayalso include a swabbing section for swabbing a body part for analysis(e.g., swabbing the users nasal pages, tonsils, throat, cheek, etc). Theswabbing section may be formed of an absorbent material, such as apolyster knit fabric, adhered or integrated with the disposable cover.

FIG. 20 is a schematic, pictorial representation of a disposable cover2000 for an endoscopic peripheral in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. The disposable cover 2000 may be utilized for any number ofmedical or surgical instruments or for other devices, systems, andapplications. For example, the disposable cover 2000 may be utilized ona borescope in a clean room of a semiconductor manufacturing facility.In one embodiment, the disposable cover 2000 includes a rigid portion2002, a flexible portion 2004, and a securing ring 2006.

In one embodiment, the disposable cover 2000 includes two or moresections or portions including at least the rigid portion 2002 and theflexible portion 2004. In other embodiments, the disposable cover 2000may be formed entirely of rigid or flexible materials corresponding tothe rigid portion 2002 and the flexible portion 2004, respectively.

The rigid portion 2002 may be composed of a clear material for enablinga camera of the endoscopic peripheral to gather image and video content.The rigid portion 2002 may also include a built-in lens for viewing anarea at the viewing end for enhancing the images captured by the camera.For example, the rigid portion 2002 may be formed of a clear plastic,such as a U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) Class V and VI silicon, rubber,polymers, or plastic materials (or a combination thereof).

In one embodiment, the flexible portion 2004 may composed of latex,Vytex, resin (e.g., AT-10 resin) plastic, polyurethane, polyisoprene,nitrile, or so forth. The flexible portion 2004 may allow the disposablecover 2000 to bend, flex, or deform with the motion of the endoscopicperipheral. For example, the endoscopic peripheral may be configured tobend as much as 90-360°. The disposable cover 2000 may flex with theendoscopic peripheral to protect the patient (e.g., tissues, membranes,organs, blood, etc.) and prevent contamination of the endoscopicperipheral.

The rigid portion 2002 and the flexible portion 2004 may be connected orbonded in any number of ways. In one embodiment, the flexible portion2004 is crimped within an end of the rigid portion 2002. In anotherembodiment, the rigid portion 2002 is heat bonded to the flexibleportion 2004. In another embodiment, the rigid portion 2002 and flexibleportion 2004 are adhered or welded to one another.

In another embodiment, the disposable cover 2000 may be formed of arigid plastic material. A rigid cover may be particularly useful forembodiments of the endoscopic peripheral that are rigid or otherwisefixed.

FIG. 21 is a schematic, pictorial representation of a disposable cover2100 for the endoscopic peripherals in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. In one embodiment, the disposable cover 2100 of FIG. 21 maybe configured to be utilized with the endoscopic peripheral 1900 of FIG.19. The head portion 2102 may be configured to be positioned over thefunnel shaped head. Similarly, the shaft portion 2104 may be flexibleand expandable allowing the disposable cover 2100 to be pulled over thefunnel shaped head. In one embodiment, the securing ring 2106 may beexpanded to fit over the funnel shaped head when being positioned. Forexample, the securing ring 2106 may include a broken or split sectionallowing the securing ring 2106 to deform or open to receive the funnelshaped head 1906.

In another embodiment, the securing ring 2106 may be a fortified sectionof the disposable cover 2100. For example, the material making up thedisposable cover 2100 may be formed (e.g., compressed, molded, extruded,shaped, etc.) into a substantive solid ring forming the securing ring.The disposable cover 2100 may include one or more reinforced holes (notshown) for attaching to one or more latches, hooks, or extensions of theendoscopic peripheral 1900. The disposable cover 2100 may define thefortified holes, such that the disposable cover 2100 does not rip, tear,rupture, or break during utilization, placement, or so forth.

In alternative embodiments, the securing ring 2106 may be configured toactively secure the disposable cover 2100 to the endoscopic peripheral1900, surgical device, medical instrument, or other tool. For example,the securing ring 2106 may be configured as a miniaturized wire tie,drawing strings, buckle, or clamp. The securing ring 2106 may be formedof a non-slip material that allows it to be tightly drawn against theendoscopic peripheral 1900 or other device without slipping duringutilization. As a result, the securing ring 2106 may be easilyunlatched, unbuckled, or cut when its purpose is fulfilled and needs tobe disposed of. The disposable cover 2100 may be a stand-aloneembodiment for utilization with a number of different devices and tools.The size (e.g. length, diameter, etc) and shape (e.g., circular, square,or oblong cross sections, differently sized head, body, and end, etc.)of the disposable cover 2100 may correspond to the medical device ortool as is herein described.

FIG. 22 is a schematic, pictorial representation of a plug-and-playendoscopic peripheral 2200 and a cover 2202 in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. The endoscopic peripheral 2200 may include aplug 2204, a body 2206, a head 2208, a camera 2210, and a clamp 2212.

In one embodiment, the plug 2204 is a USB or other plug-and-playconnector. As a result, the endoscopic peripheral 2200 may not require aspecial device driver or support software. For example, theimplementation the USB plug (e.g. USB 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, etc), Ethernet,FireWire, or other plug-and-play standard may allow the endoscopicperipheral 2200 to be automatically recognized by computing orcommunications devices. The plug 2204 may also be a proprietaryconnector, such as a connector for Apple devices (e.g., lightning,etc.). This may be particularly useful for users that have limitedexperience with electronic devices, such as computers.

In one embodiment, the endoscopic peripheral 2200 may be automaticallypowered on and activated in response to the plug 2204 being connected toan electronic device, such as a computer or a cell phone. The endoscopicperipheral 2200 may also include a switch, button, or other selectioncomponent for performing any of: powering on/off the endoscopicperipheral 2200, increasing or decreasing the light intensity, changingfrom video to still images, changing light spectra, adjustingresolution, adjusting video or camera settings, or so forth.

As previously disclosed, the head 2208 of the endoscopic peripheral 2200may be fixed or flexible. In one embodiment, the head 2208, includingthe clamp 2212 may be removably attached to the body 2206 of theendoscopic peripheral 2200. The endoscopic peripheral 2200 may beconfigured to receive fixed or flexible heads depending on the medicalapplication. The disposable cover 2202 may similarly be fixed orflexible based on the configuration of the head 2208.

The clamp 2212 is configured to secure the disposable cover 2202 tightlyagainst the head 2208 and the camera 2210. The clamp 2212 may secure anend or securing ring 2214 of the disposable cover 2202. The disposablecover 2202 may also include a hole 2216. The hole 2216 is a receptacleor attachment point. The hole 2216 is defined by the disposable cover2202 and may be utilized to secure disposable cover during utilization.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a process for utilizing an endoscopicperipheral in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In oneembodiment, the process of FIG. 23 may be implemented by a systemcontrolled by a user utilizing an endoscopic peripheral with a computeror wireless device (utilized for purposes of simplicity). The endoscopicperipheral may include a head that is covered with a disposable cover orotherwise sanitized before being utilized.

The process may begin by interfacing an endoscopic peripheral with awireless device (step 2302). For example, the user may have inserted apart end of the endoscopic peripheral in a computer or wireless devicefor capturing the images. In one embodiment, the endoscopic peripheralmay be powered by the computer or wireless device. In anotherembodiment, the endoscopic peripheral may include a separate powersupply, such as batteries or AC/DC power plug. The image content mayalso be communicated from a camera of the endoscopic peripheral to thecomputer or wireless device to be viewed, processed, or saved. Theendoscopic peripheral may also perform some image processing, filtering,noise reduction, formatting, clean up, and other similar operationsbefore communicating the captured content to the computer or wirelessdevice.

Next, the system displays an interface for managing content captured bythe endoscopic peripheral (step 2304). In one embodiment, the interfaceis a program, application, or other graphical user interface that isactivated in response to user input (e.g., opening an application,selecting an icon, etc) or in response to the connector/plug end of theendoscopic peripheral being inserted in the computer or wireless device.

Next the system captures the content through the endoscopic peripheral(step 2306). The content of step 2306 may include video and imagecontent in any number of spectra. The endoscopic peripheral may includeone or more LEDs, fiber optics, or other light sources to enable thecamera of the endoscopic peripheral to fully capture the desiredcontent.

Next, the system manages the content including saving, streaming,sharing, editing, or otherwise processing the content (step 2308). Inone embodiment, the interface is a graphical user interface thatprovides the user with managing and processing options, such as recordthe content, upload the content, send or share the content with adesignated user, contact or device, stream the content to a designateduser, device, or location in real-time, or edit the content. Thesoftware utilized with the endoscopic peripheral may be standard ordefault software utilized by a computing or communications device orproprietary software that is automatically or manually installed inresponse to connecting the endoscopic peripheral for the first time. Thecontent may be stored and then uploaded to a designated locationspecified by the user or associated with the endoscopic peripheral. Forexample, video content captured by the endoscopic peripheral may beautomatically uploaded to a server/database through one or more networksand then saved under an identifier associated with the endoscopicperipheral. For example, a serial number may be associated with apatient identifier. As a result, users in remote locations or at homemay be able to be treated by doctors even if they do the examinationthemselves.

FIG. 24 is a schematic, pictorial representation of a communicationsenvironment 2400 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In oneembodiment, the communications environment 2400 may include anendoscopic peripheral 2402, an associated identification 2404, a laptop2406, networks 2408, a content management system 2410, a server 2412, adatabase 2414, a computer 2416, and a display 2418.

The endoscopic peripheral 2402 may be configured to capture content thatis subsequently streamed to a remote location whether it be the laptop2406 or the display 2418. In one embodiment, the endoscopic peripheral2402 may include the identifier 2404 for identifying content captured bythe endoscopic peripheral 2402. The identifier 2404 may be a hardware orsoftware identifier. For example, the identifier 2404 may be a MACaddress, IP address, serial number, IMEI, or user assigned identifier,such as a name.

In one embodiment, the endoscopic peripheral 2402 includes a memoryconfigured to store the identifier 2404. The endoscopic peripheral 2402may be configured to be plug and play compatible. However, in otherembodiments, the endoscopic peripheral 2402 may store scripts, updates,software, or a set of instructions and commands for utilizing andinterfacing the endoscopic peripheral 2402. The endoscopic peripheral2402 may also be configured to store captured image content. As aresult, the content may be easily moved from one location to another anduploaded and communicated as needed. This may be particularly useful forremote settings, such as military operations, rural areas, triage areas,and so forth.

The laptop 2406 may utilize a default application or a specializedapplication to view the content captured or visualized by the endoscopicperipheral 2402. For example, any number of default video or contentapplications, operating systems, or so forth may be utilized to view,save, and manage the content.

The laptop 2406 or the endoscopic peripheral 2402 may communicate withthe networks 2408. The laptop 2406 is representative of any number ofcomputing or communications devices. The networks 2408 represent one ormore communications networks as are herein described. The connectionsbetween the components may be wired or wireless.

Communications of content from the endoscopic peripheral 2402 may becommunicated to the content management system 2410. The contentmanagement system 2410 may represent a cloud computing system, serverfarm, or other communications system. In one embodiment, the server 2412may be accessed by the laptop 2406 to stream the captured content. Thedatabase 2414 may represent one or more databases storing the capturedcontent. In one embodiment, the computer 2416 may access contentcaptured by the endoscopic peripheral 2402 from the content managementsystem 2410. In another embodiment, the computer 2416 may access thecontent from the laptop 2406 through the network. A user may utilize thecomputer 2416 and the display 2418 to view the content captured by theendoscopic peripheral 2402. For example, the user may be a doctorremotely located from the endoscopic peripheral 2402 that has beenloaned to a rural patient. The content may be captured and communicatedin real-time (or near/substantial real time) or as non real timecommunications.

In one embodiment, the endoscopic peripheral 2402 or software stored inor associated with the endoscopic peripheral 2402 may be configured toautomatically communicate with the content management system 2410 (orrespective components) or the computer 2416. The communications may berouted utilizing a hardware address or software address, such as a MACaddress, IP address, website, secured tunnel, or so forth.

The previous detailed description is of a small number of embodimentsfor implementing the invention and is not intended to be limiting inscope. The following claims set forth a number of the embodiments of theinvention disclosed with greater particularity.

What is claimed:
 1. An endoscopic peripheral, comprising: a flexiblecable having a first end, the first end including at least a camera andone or more lights, the flexible cable further having a second end, thesecond end including a plug to physically connect the endoscopicperipheral to at least one of a computing device or a wireless device,wherein the flexible cable is adapted to communicate content captured bythe camera to the computing device or wireless device.
 2. The endoscopicperipheral of claim 1, wherein the endoscopic peripheral is aplug-and-play device configured to communicate with the at least one ofthe computing device or the wireless device.
 3. The endoscopicperipheral of claim 2, wherein the content is captured by defaultapplications of the at least one of the computing device or the wirelessdevice.
 4. The endoscopic peripheral of claim 2, wherein the first endincludes a segment configured to be bent into a preferred position andretain the preferred position.
 5. The endoscopic peripheral of claim 1,wherein the camera and the one or more lights are powered by the atleast one of the computing device or the wireless device.
 6. Theendoscopic peripheral of claim 1, further comprising: a memory connectedto the camera, the memory is configured to store the content capturedthe camera for subsequent access.
 7. The endoscopic peripheral of claim6, wherein the memory includes an application for interfacing theendoscopic peripheral with the at least one of the computing device orthe wireless device.
 8. The endoscopic peripheral of claim 1, furthercomprising: a securing mechanism for connecting a disposable cover overthe first end.
 9. The endoscopic peripheral of claim 8, wherein thedisposable cover is flexible and configured to be attached to thesecuring mechanism.
 10. The endoscopic peripheral of claim 1, whereinthe first end is replaceable to replace the camera and the one or morelights.
 11. The endoscopic peripheral of claim 1, wherein the first endcomprises a tip, and wherein the tip of the first end includes aconically shaped portion to prevent over-insertion into a body of apatient.
 12. An endoscopic peripheral, comprising: a first end includinga camera and one or more lights at a tip of the first end, wherein thefirst end is flexible to be positioned for utilization; a second endincluding a plug for electrically connecting the endoscopic peripheralto an electronic device configured to display content captured by thecamera; and a flexible cable connecting the first end and the secondend.
 13. The endoscopic peripheral of claim 12, wherein the endoscopicperipheral is a plug-and-play device configured to communicate with theelectronic device utilizing default software of the electronic device.14. The endoscopic peripheral of claim 12, further comprising: a memoryconnected to the camera, the memory is configured to store the contentcaptured by the camera for subsequent access, wherein the memoryincludes an application for interfacing the endoscopic peripheral withthe electronic device.
 15. The endoscopic peripheral of claim 12,further comprising: a latch configured to temporarily connect adisposable cover over the first end of the endoscopic peripheral. 16.The endoscopic peripheral of claim 12, wherein the first end isinterchangeable, and wherein one the interchangeable first ends isconically shaped.
 17. A method for utilizing an endoscopic peripheral,the method comprising: physically connecting the endoscopic peripheralto an electronic device, wherein the electronic device powers at least acamera and one or more lights of the endoscopic peripheral; andinterfacing the endoscopic peripheral with the electronic device todisplay the content captured by the camera.
 18. The method of claim 17,further comprising: securing a disposable cover over a tip of theendoscopic peripheral, wherein the disposable cover is clear allowingcontent to be captured by the endoscopic peripheral.
 19. The method ofclaim 17, further comprising: storing content captured by the camera ofthe endoscopic peripheral in response to user input.
 20. The method ofclaim 17, further comprising: streaming the content through one or morecommunications networks to one or more remote addresses in response toan identifier associated with the endoscopic peripheral.
 21. The methodof claim 17, further comprising: controlling the endoscopic peripheralusing the electronic device.